Our scripture for today is John 3:16, reading from the New International Version.

The King James version might be more familiar to some.

This was probably the very first Bible verse I learned to memorize, which was in vacation Bible school. Did I understand what it said or meant? Probably not, but I could recite it to the pleasure of my mother and teacher.

We do not have a son, only daughters. Regardless, I cannot imagine offering one as a sacrifice as Abraham was asked to do. Furthermore, from what we know, he was not hesitant in taking Isaac up the mountain to be sacrificed. i would imagine that Sarah Isaac’s mother had something to say about the situation. However, in Old Testament times, women had less say-so about such matters.

During Jesus' earthly life, he seemed to be on a mission to carry out God’s will. Towards the end of his life, it almost seemed like a self-sacrifice or giving of himself for the atonement or substitution of his life for our sins.

The verse says that whoever believes will not perish but have everlasting life. As a child, this was very difficult to comprehend. What does everlasting or eternal life look like? As adults, we know that eventually our earthly bodies will wear out, we will die and be buried or cremated, and ashes will be spread or deposited in the ground or an urn. However, for believers, our souls will reside in heaven. We don’t know what that existence looks like. I have read of several individuals who have had near-death experiences and said that it was a wonderful experience.

Dear God, help us to understand what it means to believe in you. Help us to be a witness to others that they might also become believers in you and have the faith and hope for eternal life. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Emmit Rawls.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

It started with four simple words: “Momma, I need help.”

Two weeks before that call, my husband Mark and I had driven to St. Louis to see our God-given grandchild and meet up with Robert, our son. He is forty-five, and he was planning a big move to Texas. As any parent would, we asked if he needed help. And as any grown man would, he said, “No, I can do this by myself.” We smiled and drove back to Tennessee, proud of his independence but with a mother’s quiet knowing in the back of my heart.

Then the phone rang. “I rented a U-Haul,” he said, “but I can’t tow the car. Could you drive it to Texas?” And just like that, our plans changed. That’s what love does — it shows up when the call comes, no matter the distance.

So I packed a bag, climbed into a little rental car, and began an 18-hour, 1200-mile journey. First stop, St. Peter's, to exchange the sporty little rental car for Robert’s well-worn SUV. Then off to Texas.

The road was long and sometimes frustrating — missed exits, heavy traffic, forgotten gas caps, lost credit cards, and a flight home that seemed like it might never leave the ground. But woven through every mile was God’s presence: in the small mercies, the safe arrivals, the unexpected help, and the quiet moments of grace.

And when I finally arrived at that Texas apartment complex, tired and sore but deeply grateful, I was reminded of the father in Jesus’ parable — the one who ran to meet his son while he was still a long way off. That father didn’t ask questions. He simply loved.

That’s what this journey taught me. Love isn’t measured by convenience or distance. It’s measured by willingness — the willingness to show up when someone calls, to go the extra mile, and to trust God with every step along the way.

I was reminded of the scriptures:

• Psalm 46:1 - “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
• Psalm 121:8 - “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Father,

Thank you for the gift of love — the kind that shows up, reaches out, and never gives up. Help me to love as You do, with patience and grace, even when the road is long, or the journey is hard. Teach me to listen for the cries of those who need me and to respond with courage and compassion. And Lord, remind me that no act of love is ever wasted when it’s done in Your name. Amen.

This devotion was written by Marcia Prill and read by Sally Stovall.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

God is with us. What an awesome truth!

When we are facing hard decisions, God is with us. When we are waiting with dread for a diagnosis, God is with us. When a friend has let us down, God is with us. When it seems like the world is falling down around us, God is with us.

When we experience small victories, God is with us. When a child is born, God is with us. When we see a glorious sunset, God is with us. When we gather for worship, God is with us.

But also…

When we are ungracious to a server, God is with us. When we are consumed with envy, God is with us. When we speak ill of a neighbor, God is with us. When we fail to keep a promise, God is with us.

It’s comforting to know of God’s presence when we are in despair or trouble and need God; or when we celebrate the great moments. But let’s not forget that God is also with us when we are at our worst. The times when we would just as soon that God look the other way or turn a deaf ear.

If we stop and acknowledge God’s presence with us ALL the time, what a difference it could make in how we respond in EVERY situation. Good or bad.

God is with us. Let us never forget.

This devotional was written by Charlie Barton and read by Jim Stovall.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.